Having recently turned 60, the oldest person playing competitive rugby in Scotland is giving it all up (well maybe not all of it) after 41 years of senior rugby.

A man of many clubs, Alan has established a huge network of friends on and off the park thanks to the game and many turned up to honour his contribution in his final game for Ross Sutherland against Highland RFC’s oldies team the Bald Eagles last Saturday.

“To be honest I’m a bit embarrassed by all the attention, but genuinely humbled by the number of people who have sent me their best wishes and turned up in person to play and watch today.”

Having first started with Highland RFC in 1975, a club he was to return to and captain in the mid ‘80s, Alan had spells at Aberdeen Wanderers/Academicals RFC, Aberdeenshire RFC, Aberdeen Grammar RFC, and Banff RFC before joining Ross Sutherland for the 1987/88 season.

In such a long career there must be many highlights?

“Tough question. Playing for the Aberdeen U23 Select and North U23s were highlights as a young player; captaining a Highland side that included great players like Brian Bell who played for North & Midlands in the old district set up, against a Watsonians side which included the Hastings brothers just as they were breaking into the Scotland side.

Here at Ross, I think going to St Andrews 7 years ago and beating Madras RFC to stay up was a phenomenal day, but my last league game against Lochaber a fortnight ago is a real stand out for sentimental reasons. Being asked to lead the team out was a great honour and the reception I received from both sets of players at the finish was very humbling.”

“Starting the minis section at Ross Sutherland 26 years ago is something I’m tremendously proud of, especially when I see recent successes like Jake Henry and Rory Burnside playing for Scotland U16s. Many of the kids I coached back then have become tremendous players either here or further afield like Ru and Andy Waugh, Stuart Mack, and Dave Whiteford (Hong Kong Scottish).”

And the secret to Alan’s long playing career?

“Well I’ve had good coaches like (former Scotland player and national coach) Nairn MacEwan and Colin Baillie at Highland, and more recently John Scott and Ben Ockenden here at Ross, but really the reason I’ve managed so long is because of a loving and supportive wife and family.”

Indeed 2 years ago Alan had considered hanging up his boots but wife Mary persuaded him otherwise!

As is typical of the man, instead of presents to mark his retirement he asked for donations instead to raise money to install a defibrillator at the club, and over £700 was raised.

Club President John Scott was keen to acknowledge Alan’s contribution to rugby in general and Ross Sutherland in particular: “As those who know him will attest, Alan is probably one of the most unassuming and genuine guys you could hope to meet. People talk about role models and I can’t think of anyone who fits that description better than Alan. What he has contributed to the game in terms coaching, playing, refereeing, and off the park as well, is just immense. I doubt very much that we’ll see anyone else give so much to the amateur game. Everyone here at Ross Sutherland holds him in very high regard.”

So what does the future hold for Alan now?

“I will probably squeeze in a few oldies games now. I’ve been going to the tournament in Rovigo in Italy for about 15 years now (one that Mary definitely doesn’t miss!) first to referee and then to play which is kind of me in a nutshell – have boots, will travel! And I might, just might, referee an odd game. Just to keep the young ones right.”

Oh, and the match. Well of course Alan’s Ross Sutherland Select won!